Randy Orton’s WWE Absence Reportedly Due To His Back Injury

Randy Orton’s back injury has reportedly been keeping him off WWE TV since WrestleMania 42.

Despite losing to Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania Saturday, Randy Orton ended the night standing tall as ‘The Viper’ attacked ‘The American Nightmare’ post-match. However, although it looked as if their rivalry was set to continue, Orton has been completely absent from our screens since the ‘Show Of Shows’, and more has emerged on why he’s been away.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted Randy Orton is off-screen due to his back injury.

“Back injury. That’s why he’s been gone since WrestleMania and it’s probably why he didn’t win the title. He’s got a back injury and it’s significant. He’s had it for years. It almost ended his career, came back, still there and that’s why he’s been out.”

-Dave Meltzer

While the back injury which sidelined him for around 18 months from May 2022 to November 2023 is widely known, many fans raised their eyebrows when the commentary team at WrestleMania 42 constantly made mention of Orton’s back issues, which then became a key focus of his match with Rhodes. A few days prior to the Las Vegas main event, some reports had indicated the 14-time world champion was walking in hurt, though it now appears as if the issue is more severe than viewers may have expected.

At present, there’s currently no update on when Randy could return to TV, though a continuation of his feud with the Undisputed WWE Champion whenever he’s medically able to come back. For now, though, ‘The Ring General’ GUNTHER is next in line to challenge Cody Rhodes, with the gold on the line in two weeks at Clash In Italy.

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As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Randy Orton’s injury status as soon as we hear more.

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